
APO Exam 2026 is one of the most significant competitive examinations for law graduates aspiring to serve as legal representatives of the state in criminal proceedings. The role of an Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) is essential in maintaining justice by representing the government in criminal cases and ensuring the prosecution of offenders. Conducted by various State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), the APO Exam 2026 serves as a gateway to a prestigious and responsible position within the country's legal framework.
Read on to get a detailed overview of the APO Exam 2026, covering key aspects such as eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, important dates, application process, and more.
The Assistant Prosecution Officer plays a critical role in ensuring justice by prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state. The position demands strong legal acumen and integrity.
The APO Exam 2026 will be conducted by several State PSCs, including UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, CGPSC, and others. It typically comprises a three-tier selection processβPreliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview. These exams assess a candidateβs legal knowledge, general awareness, and communication skills.
The APO Exam 2026 Overview includes the details of state-wise exams conducted for the recruitment of APOs. Below is a list of states and their respective conducting bodies:
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APO Exam 2026 Overview |
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State |
Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
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Uttar Pradesh |
UP APO |
UPPSC |
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Bihar |
BPSC APO |
BPSC |
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Madhya Pradesh |
MP APO |
MPPSC |
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Chhattisgarh |
CG APO |
CGPSC |
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Jharkhand |
JPSC APO |
JPSC |
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Rajasthan |
RPSC APO |
RPSC |
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Haryana |
HPSC APO |
HPSC |
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Punjab |
PPSC APO |
PPSC |
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Odisha |
OPSC APO |
OPSC |
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Maharashtra |
MPSC APO |
MPSC |
Applicants must stay updated with the latest announcements made by the respective state PSCs regarding APO Exam Date 2026. Important dates may vary from state to state. Here is a tentative schedule for the major APO Exam 2026 recruitment processes:
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APO Exam 2026 Important Dates (Expected) |
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State |
Notification Date |
Prelims Exam |
Mains Exam |
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Rajasthan APO |
March 2026 |
July 2026 |
October 2026 |
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16 September 2025 |
March 2026 |
To Be Announced |
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Jan-Feb 2026 |
To Be Announced |
To Be Announced |
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Jan-Feb 2026 |
To Be Announced |
To Be Announced |
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May 2026 |
18 October 2026 (Tentative) |
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CG APO |
June 2026 |
September 2026 |
January 2027 |
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JPSC APO |
July 2026 |
October 2026 |
February 2027 |
Candidates are advised to keep checking official state commission websites for updates on the APO Exam 2026 Important Dates.
The APO Exam 2026 is conducted by various State Public Service Commissions to fill the vacancies of Assistant Prosecution Officers within their respective jurisdictions. While the core responsibilities of an APO remain consistent, each state may follow a slightly different recruitment process, exam pattern, and eligibility criteria. Candidates must refer to the specific state notifications to ensure accurate preparation and timely application. Below is a concise state-wise overview of the upcoming APO recruitment exams in 2026.
Conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), the UP APO Exam is one of the most sought-after legal exams in the state. It generally consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) administers the BPSC APO Exam, which typically includes a preliminary exam, mains written examination, and a personal interview.
The MPPSC conducts the MP APO Exam to select law graduates for prosecution services. The exam pattern usually includes a written test followed by an interview.
The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) holds the CG APO Exam to recruit Assistant Prosecution Officers for the state legal system, focusing on criminal law proficiency.
Organized by JPSC, the APO recruitment in Jharkhand involves a multi-phase process, emphasizing legal knowledge and judicial procedures relevant to the state.
RPSC manages the Rajasthan APO Exam, which aims to fill state-level vacancies in the prosecution department through a written exam and interview.
HPSC conducts the Haryana APO Exam, usually comprising a written test and a viva-voce. The focus is on criminal law, procedural codes, and constitutional provisions.
The PPSC APO recruitment process includes written papers based on law subjects, followed by an interview. It is aimed at selecting candidates for prosecution roles in Punjab.
The UKPSC APO recruitment process includes written papers based on law subjects, followed by an interview. As per latest updated the proposed vacancies is 46 approx. APO posts, the official notification will be released soon.
The APO Exam 2026 Application Process is conducted online through the respective State PSC websites. Candidates must register using valid credentials, fill in personal and academic details, upload necessary documents, and pay the application fee.
Visit the official website of the respective State PSC.
Register with basic personal and contact information.
Fill in the minimum required educational qualifications, and after that, work experience (if applicable).
Upload required documents (photo, signature, LLB degree, etc.).
Pay the application fee through online payment modes.
Finally, submit the form and save a printout of the application form for future reference
Make sure to complete the APO Exam 2026 Application Process within the deadline specified in the notification.
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements. Failing to meet the criteria may result in disqualification at any stage. The APO Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria may vary across states but generally include:
A Bachelor's Degree in Law (LLB) is required from a recognized university.
Some states may require prior experience as an advocate.
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 35 years (with age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC as per government rules)
The applicant must be a citizen of India.
Candidates are advised to read the official notification of each state to confirm specific APO Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Understanding the exam structure is essential for effective preparation. The selection process generally includes Prelims, Mains, and an Interview. The APO Exam Pattern 2026 typically includes:
Subjects: General Studies, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), Indian Evidence Act, Constitution of India, General Hindi & English.
Total Marks: 150β200 marks
Duration: 2β3 hours
Negative marking is applicable in some states
Subjects: Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Law of Evidence, Essay Writing, Precis, Translation, and in some cases, Judgment Writing.
Total marks: 400β600 marks
Evaluates legal aptitude, communication skills, presence of mind, and general awareness.
Total Marks: 50β100 marks
The APO Exam Pattern 2026 ensures a well-rounded evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities.
The APO Exam 2026 Syllabus encompasses both general and legal subjects. Thorough preparation across all sections is necessary to succeed. Each state has a defined APO Exam 2026 Syllabus. Here's an overview of some major states:
Prelims: General Studies, Law
Mains: General Hindi, Law-I (Substantive Law), Law-II (Procedural Law)
Prelims: General Awareness, Law
Mains: Hindi, Law (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, Constitution)
Prelims: General Knowledge, Law
Mains: Descriptive Law and Language Papers
Prelims: General Studies, Law
Mains: Detailed Law and Language Subjects
The APO Exam 2026 Syllabus focuses on core legal concepts and communication proficiency required for prosecutorial duties.
The APO Admit Card 2026 will be released on the respective State PSC websites a few weeks before the examination. It is a mandatory document containing important information such as exam date, time, venue, and candidate details.
Visit the official website of the concerned PSC.
Click on the βDownload Admit Cardβ link.
Enter your registration number and password/date of birth.
Download and print the admit card.
Candidates must carry the APO Admit Card 2026 along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.
The APO Cut Off 2026 marks will be released along with or after the declaration of results. The cut-off varies based on factors like the number of candidates, exam difficulty level, and category-wise reservation.
Previous trends indicate a rising competition, so candidates are advised to aim well above the expected APO Cut Off 2026 to ensure selection.
The APO Exam Result 2026 will be published on the official websites of the respective State PSCs in PDF format. It typically includes the list of qualified candidates for each stage (Prelims, Mains, Interview).
Candidates should regularly monitor updates and check their results using their roll number or registration ID. The final merit list will be prepared based on performance in all stages of the APO Exam 2026.
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APO stands for Assistant Prosecution Officer. The APO Exam is a state-level judicial recruitment exam conducted by Public Service Commissions to appoint law graduates as prosecutors in criminal courts.